As the number of connected devices that enterprises need to manage is continuing to explode, with an estimated 150 Billion devices by 2025, edge computing has emerged as the primary architectural paradigm for managing applications on these devices. It fundamentally leverages the management and computational efficiencies of cloud computing, while reducing the dependence on an always-on and highly performant network infrastructure allowing enterprises to manage these devices in a cost-efficient manner. The wide-spread adoption of 5G cellular technology will only turbo-charge this trend further, as bandwidth and latency characteristics of the last mile improve significantly.

Cisco is soliciting research ideas and proposals toward building the next-generation edge computing platforms. Specific topics of interest include but are not limited to the following:

• Managing large scale and diversity of devices
• Security (e.g., ensuring tamper proof software on devices, data protection in motion and rest)
• Domain-specific architectures and applications
• Autonomous driving (Augmented driving, connected cars)
• Manufacturing environments
• Brick-and-mortar retail shopping
• Other domains
• Impact of 5G on edge computing
• Data protection and backup
• Data privacy/compliance
• Performance and data management (between edge, public/private cloud instances)
• Resource and Capacity planning to optimize for workloads (Continuous optimization)

Proposal Submission:

After a preliminary review, we may ask you to revise and resubmit your proposal.

RFPs may be withdrawn as research proposals are funded, or interest in the specific topic is satisfied.

Researchers should plan to submit their proposals as soon as possible.

General Requirements for Consideration, Proposal Details, FAQs

You can find the information by scrolling down to the bottom of the webpage: Research Gifts. If your questions are not answered in the FAQs, please contact research@cisco.com.